Can a custom built computer from Ebay have cheaper quality parts than a brand name factory built computer?

You will be suprised. Big companies, like HP and Dell, might have an i3 or i5 in their desktop, but that 8GB RAM they advertise, was probably bought in bulk for around 5 dollars a pieces (4gb RAM). Thoses hard drives are low cost and made in some where in a stuffy sweatshop deep in the jungles of Vietnam. The motherboard is likely made strictly to be sold to Dell and is made to a low cost. On Ebay they are hand assembled (that maybe a good thing or bad, depending on who assembled it), the parts are the cheapest but would be better than the big names. Why most brand name computers sell a lot is that marketing cost a lot, just like Macbooks (they have like 4 gb RAM, 320 GB HDD, Dual Core CPU and sell for $2000). Ebay stores usually will give your warranty. So don't be fooled, as I have bought from an Ebay seller and was happy with what I got.

Brand-name machines definitely have their share of cheap parts as I am speaking from experience. If you have owned a brand name pc and have opened it up to reveal the hardware, you will find an assortment of less quality brand hardware. At first I assumed that all parts were quality name brand until looking further. Oh, and I purchased a Lenovo ThinkCentre desktop with XP, just the tower with exactly what I had in my previous computer in which I paid almost $2000. Cost for the tower?? It was $74 with shipping right to my door! This was a steal if you ask me. But there are many deals in which to take advantage of. And like most who will post to your question, everyone who does this is trying to make extra cash or build up their business. Good luck to you!

Brand-name machines have their share of cheap parts too. But if you're concerned about being able to return an unusable machine for your money back, get a refurbed unit from Tiger Direct or the like. Dunno what kind of prices you're looking at on eBay but as a business purchaser, I've been pretty pleased with a few refurbed HP and Lenovo desktops under $200 from TD.

Who knows? A factory built PC will have a warranty and support. Try that at the eBay seller.

I doubt that all are cheap parts used , maybe these people who built the pc's need some extra cash to start on their new pc build